Mendocino Forest wildfire spreads to 16,800 acres

WILLITS, Calif. 
Federal fire officials say crews are making progress in slowing the growth of a wildfire in the Mendocino National Forest.

Fire information officer Deb Schweizer says the so-called Mill Fire expanded by about 800 acres Wednesday. Since it was first reported on Saturday it has consumed 16,800 acres, or a little more than 26 square miles.

The blaze is 38 percent contained.

Schweizer says the more than 1,500 firefighters on the scene are working in extremely steep and rugged terrain.

Officials say an air quality alert issued because of the heavy smoke in the area remains in effect. The flames have already led to campground closures and a voluntary evacuation of some homes in the tiny community of Stonyford.

The cause of the fire still has not been determined. Crews are also battling a separate blaze several miles to the east in Colusa County.